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1st Lake Blog

New Year, New Apartment: Here’s What You Need

Time to hit “refresh” on your interiors! A new year is the perfect time to take stock of what you have, and treat yourself to something new. Here’s what you need for rental resolutions:

Decorative lamps at this Creeks of River Ridge apartment tie the room together and add functional lighting.

Practical Magic

These items are a little bit boring — but trust us, they’ll help you keep your apartment feeling like home (and like-new) for years to come.

  • Vacuum cleaner: If your place features hard surfaces, this list on Amazon has you covered. They also have a list for carpets! And for the pet owners, the Hoover T-Series Pet Rewind is an affordable, effective option.
  • Cutlery: Cooking is a whole lot easier when you have the right tools. Invest in quality knives like a chef’s knife and paring knife, plus heavy cutlery like steak knives, forks, and spoons to create a restaurant-quality experience at home.
  • Pots and pans: What good are fancy forks and knives when you don’t have the right pans for cooking your food? Purchase a basic set, or opt for individual pots an pans: you’ll definitely want a sauce pan, frying pan, and large “multi-pot” for cooking pasta, boiling potatoes, and more. A cast-iron skillet is also an excellent, multi functional addition to your kitchen.
  • Everyday paper products: Wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s are great for stocking up on paper products like paper towels and toilet paper. Buy in bulk — you’ll save money and time.
  • Tool kit: A simple, not-too-big, not-too-small tool kit is a must-have for apartment homes. Check out an in-depth review of an HDX tool kit here.

The Fun Stuff

These decor items are a surefire way to add style to your space.

  • Decorative lamps: Lamps marry form and function, adding ambience and  light to a room. West Elm has a wide variety that ranges from modern to whimsical.
  • Towels: These might not sound like fun, but hear us out — sumptuous, oversized towels can make even the quickest shower feel like a spa experience. 
  • Mirrors: Create the illusion of more space with decorative mirrors that can also double as artwork. Here’s how to hang ’em!
  • Carafe: Are you sensing a theme here? We’re head over heels for items that are beautiful and functional. A carafe — like this one from IKEA — is great for hosting dinner parties, but it can also be used as a vase.

 


Rental Resolutions

New year, new resolutions. For 2017, why not focus on where you live? These five rental resolutions will make your apartment feel like home.

Apartments in New Orleans

Five Rental Resolutions for 2017

Make your bed.

It’s easier said than done — but carving out time to make your bed each and every day makes a big difference in making your space feel like home! It’s meditative time for you in the morning, and when you get home from work, imagine how nice it will feel to come home to a made-up bed. Purchase fun throw pillows or linen spray to really amp up the homey feel.

Take time to tidy.

At some point every day, make it a point to put away or clean up ten items. That could mean stacking up your magazines on the coffee table, loading a few lingering items into the dishwasher, or wiping down the counter. Don’t plan to spend more than 20 minutes doing this: the idea is to clean day by day and help mitigate time-consuming deep cleans on your Saturday.

Invest (within reason) on home decor.

Renters often feel like it doesn’t make sense to invest in their space since they’re only renting. We firmly disagree! If you move, you take your decor with you, just like you would clothes and personal items. So why not allocate a little bit of money toward home decor?

Hang curtains.

Curtains add instant polish to your space and help define windows, which are natural light sources and a focal point for the eye. Go for full-length curtains to help create a sense of height. Whether you opt for a bold color or simple neutral is up to you!

Add greenery.

Pantone named “greenery” the 2017 color of the year! Our suggestion for getting green? House plants. They add life to your space while also offering added health benefits. Take a look at our guide to indoor plants here.

 

A touch of greenery added to our Fox Run Apartment!


Get to Know These 1st Lake Properties

We have so many different properties at 1st Lake that no matter what you’re looking for, chances are we have a community suited to your needs. Take a look at some of our properties in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge, and Jefferson below. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss more about your future home!

1st Lake Featured Properties by City

Metairie

Breakers — This property is great for pet owners, since it’s just a short distance from Lafreniere Park

Canterbury Square — Fancy yourself a swim? Choose Canterbury Square: it has two pools on the premises, plus a grilling area, playground, and more. 

Crossings — This community’s incredible location and updated floor plans make you feel at home instantly, and details like expansive windows with plantation blinds mean you’ll never want to leave. 

Fox Run — Tranquil landscaping sets the tone for this peaceful community, with select units featuring details like vaulted ceilings, sunrooms, and fenced patios. 

Frenchman’s Creek — Like Canterbury Square, this Metairie property features two tropical-inspired pools. The location is just minutes from both downtown New Orleans and Louis Armstrong International airport, placing you right in the middle of so much to do. 

Lemon Tree — If you like the look and feel of a small apartment community, Lemon Tree is perfect, clocking in at just 12 units. Get to know your neighbors all within the convenient setting of Metairie. 

Lost Bayou — Consider Lost Bayou a hidden oasis. With plenty of off-street parking and a sparkling pool, this small community is the perfect place to relax. 

Lanai — Tucked into a residential neighborhood, Lanai retains a homelike feel with its French Quarter-style courtyard and private pool. 

Northbridge — With studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes, Northbridge has plenty of comfortable options within its beautifully landscaped grounds. 

Orange Park — Walk to Lafreniere Park from your spacious apartment home at Orange Park. These double homes feature your own private driveway and free lawn service each week. 

Park Oaks — Included off-street parking means maximum convenience at this park-like apartment community studded with oak trees. 

Premises 2 — Cathedral ceilings and skylights are unique architectural details at this comfortable and charming community. 

Registry — If you’re seeking a loft or town home, this convenient community beckons with details like brick accent walls and a private patio within every unit. 

Rosedale — Rosedale apartment homes boast nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, plus the added comfort of features like a great room, breakfast bar, and a fenced, private yard. 

Sandpiper — Natural light is a huge plus in any apartment home, and Sandpiper has it in spades. This small, gated community features skylights and sunrooms plus a sparkling pool to really soak up the sun. 

Severn Pointe — Posh interiors define this Metairie community, featuring granite countertops, large windows, and plantation-style blinds. 

Surf Rider I — With select apartment homes that are completely renovated, Surf Rider offers plenty of space and lush grounds. 

Wildflower — This community backs up to Lafreniere Park and is located just two minutes from I-10. Find both tranquility and ease of travel in this prime location. 

Windmill Creek North — Creeks and fountains add a touch of nature to this apartment community, featuring comfortable and spacious units. 

Windmill Creek South — Winding pathways take you through creeks, fountains, and a pristine pool at this recently updated apartment community. 

Kenner

Cherrywood — Relax at the pool within a French Quarter-style courtyard at this conveniently located community within walking distance to restaurants and stores. Free off-street parking makes it easy if you decide to drive to the shops instead! 

Sugar Mill West — These energy-efficient apartment homes feature large closets, sunrooms, and wood-tone flooring. Comfortable and smart. 

The Villas at Laketown — Exquisitely appointed townhome in Gabriel Estates at The Villas feature granite in the kitchen and bath, a jetted tub, wet bar, office space, and a two-car garage. 

River Ridge

Chestnut Creek — A traditional gatehouse entrance sets the tone for life at Chestnut Creek, where select apartments feature wood-burning fire places, Roman tubs with marble alcoves, and cathedral ceilings. 

Walnut Creek — The convenience of River Ridge can’t be beat — especially in a comfortable and stylish community like Walnut Creek. Furnished corporate apartments are also available. 

Willow Creek — Details like wood-burning fire places, large tubs, and sunrooms make Willow Creek hard to leave. It’s the perfect place to call home in River Ridge. 

Jefferson

Riverwood — A private patio/balcony allows you to enjoy the peaceful scenery at Riverwood, which includes a tranquil pool and gazebo. 


Last-Minute Hostess Gifts

This time of year, it’s not uncommon to have several parties or get-togethers to attend. Here are a few ideas on hostess gifts or home gifts you can bring along with you to show your gratitude. These beauties aren’t confined to the holiday season — bookmark this post for future parties, too!

7 Last-Minute Hostess Gifts

An herb bouquet. Head to the grocery store and pick up an array of fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. Then, bundle them together and tie with an elegant ribbon for a rustic-chic bouquet that’s also quite functional: your host can use it as fragrant decor or incorporate it into his or her cooking routine!

A bouquet of tapered candles. We’ve got another non-floral bouquet idea: candles! Tapered candles are a must-have for creating dinner party ambience, so your host will be grateful to have them. Remember — scent is a matter of personal taste, so opt for unscented. Plain white is classic, but if you know their color scheme, you can choose a hue that works with their decor.

Specialty chocolates. Pick up a few bars of dark chocolate at the store, and tie them together with a ribbon. Who doesn’t like chocolate?!

A magazine… with a subscription. Grab a copy of your favorite home magazine, like Real Simple or Better Homes and Gardens, and wrap it up for your host. Order them a subscription online and let them know you’ve just gifted them a full year’s worth of great reading when they unwrap their first issue.

Pretty paper napkins. Search for packages of paper napkins at stores like T.J. Maxx or even grocery stores like The Fresh Market. Choose a few complementary packages, and bundle them together with twine. Fabulous and functional.

A steel water bottle. Brands like Swell (and Sip by Swell at Target) offer high-quality, steel water bottles that retain both hot and cold temperatures. Find them in a variety of cute prints!

Pet treats. If your host has four-legged friends, why not bring them a gift instead? Create a simple basket stocked with pet treats and toys as a fun hostess gift alternative.

 


How to Hang Artwork

You’ve just scored an amazing piece of artwork… but now you have to hang it. Making sure your art is level and at the right height can be intimidating and requires a little bit of math, but check out our infographic below for a step-by-step guide on how to hang artwork. Whether you opt for a single, show-stopping piece or a detailed gallery wall, artwork can give your home a museum-like feel. Let’s hang!

How to hang wall art.

How to Hang Artwork (Infographic Text)

Deck the walls: How to hang artwork
Before you break out the nails and hammer, read this! Whether you want to hang asingle piece or create a dynamic gallery wall, here’s what to do:
Measure. Follow along with most galleries, and hang your art at eye level. This means the center of the piece should hit at 58 inches. Turn the frame over, and measure the distances between the wire and thetop of the frame. Measure the total length of the art, and divide in half. Measure 58 inches on the wall, add the total of half of the art’s length, and subtract the distance between the wire and the top of the frame. Place the nail in this spot! If you’re creating a gallery wall, make sure the centerpiece hangs at eye level,and build out from there.
Secure. Use a good ol’ hammer and nail, or choose a picture hanger for heavier pieces.
Hang. Carefully hang your artwork. You may want to use a level to check that it’s straight. 
Admire. You know what to do! Sit back and enjoy your new, gallery-worthy space.